devoid

[dih-void]

adjective

1. not possessing, untouched by, void, or destitute (usually followed byof ).

   Synonyms: barren, bereft, destitute, wanting, lacking

verb (used with object)

1. to deplete or strip of some quality or substance.

   imprisonment that devoids a person of humanity.

devoid

/ dɪˈvɔɪd /

adjective

1. destitute or void (of); free (from)

Word History and Origins

Origin of devoid¹

1350–1400; Middle English, originally past participle < Anglo-French, for Old French desvuidier to empty out, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + vuidier to empty, void

Word History and Origins

Origin of devoid¹

C15: originally past participle of devoid ( vb ) to remove, from Old French devoidier, from de- _de- + voider to _void

Example Sentences

Tumbling weeds are not uncommon, but no other species have been so large or as devoid of natural predators as S. tragus.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If “Christy” is Sweeney’s message through art, it may as well be the cinematic equivalent of “Dogs Playing Poker,” an image so often remixed and regurgitated that it’s devoid of any compelling meaning.

Read more on Salon

Most of his passes are completely devoid of wobble, at least to the naked eye.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For each of us, any given day — maybe especially a day devoid of the extraordinary — is the culmination of all we’ve been and whatever we might hope to be.

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December's race will once again be devoid of the two largest pro-democracy parties: the Civic Party disbanded in 2023 and the Democratic Party is winding down.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• bare 
• barren 
• lacking 
• vacant